Stampede at UP’s Barabanki temple: 2 dead, 32 injured after panic over electric shock

Mangalore Today News Network

Uttar Pradesh, July 28, 2025: At least two people were killed and 32 injured in the early hours of Monday after a stampede occurred at a temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Avsaaneshwar temple in the Haidergarh area.

A live electric wire, broken by monkeys, fell onto a tin shed triggering panic among the devotees.

Devotees had gathered at the temple for ’jalabhishek’ (offering water as a ritual) during the holy month of Shravan on Monday.

Initial reports said that at least 19 were injured in the early hours of Monday after a stampede-like situation broke out outside the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple.

Prashant (22) from the Mubarakpura village under the Lonikatra police station area and another 30-year-old devotee succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at the Trivediganj Community Health Centre (CHC), officials said.

A total of 10 injured persons were brought to Trivediganj CHC, of whom five were referred to higher medical centres due to their critical condition.

Meanwhile, 26 injured devotees are being treated at the Haidergarh CHC, and one of them has been referred for advanced care due to serious injuries.

Following the incident, there was chaos in the temple and surrounding areas. District and police officials reached the spot and are working to manage the situation. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

According to District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, "Devotees were offering prayers when a monkey jumped onto an electric wire, causing it to fall on a shed.

"This led to an electric current passing through the structure. Medical treatment of the injured is underway. Around 19 people were injured, with two in serious condition.

CM Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister directed the officers to immediately reach the spot and expedite the relief work. The Chief Minister gave instructions for the proper treatment of the injured.

This incident comes a day after 8 people were killed and over two dozen injured in a stampede at the famous Mansa Devi Temple at Haridwar in Uttarakhand.